THE chairman of the Ribble Valley Ladies Luncheon Club has revealed the secret of its success after raising more than £130,000 for research into children's cancer in just three years.

Penny Green said keeping its quarterly fund raising luncheons full of "interesting topics and speakers" was the key to its success, as well as providing a uniqueness no other club in the area offered.

She said: "We have seen membership numbers rise to over 450, with ladies joining not just from the Ribble Valley, but from as far afield as Ilkley and Blackpool.

"We make sure everyone is kept entertained and involved in the club and its charity work.

"All ladies are asked to wear hats at each luncheon, and we welcome their suggestions to book speakers they have enjoyed."

And the club is to be honoured for its work for the Cancer Research Campaign at a special ceremony next week.

Chairman of the club Penny Green and treasurer Dorothy Cosgrove, will receive the Dame Adelaide Doughty Award from national appeals committee chairman Lady Jo Benson at Bury Town Hall.

The award is usually presented to a media organisation, but judges felt that the club's fund raising efforts in last 12 months including an email charity auction merited this year's honour.

Mrs Green said: "We are absolutely delighted to have received the award, which is a totally unique achievement."

"We are amazed at the success of the club, which seems to have found a niche in the market, and to date have raised over £130,000 for cancer research."

Celebrity speakers at recent events include former assistant to Princess Diana, Paul Burrell; Neil and Christine Hamilton; Fiona Castle widow of entertainer Roy and Jean Fergusson - Marina from 'Last of the Summer Wine'.